Evil Thespian

Today I'm joined by Michelle Renee Bester! Michelle is an actress, writer, and lover of all things arts from Chicago. She has been seen on Chicago Fire, Amazon Prime’s Electric Dreams, and CBS’ Red Line as well as on several different stages in Chicago theater. In this episode, Michelle and I discuss her latest role in the upcoming Chicago premiere of Black Cypress Bayou at Definition Theatre! She's tackling a huge role in this production. We discuss her approach to character building, storytelling, research, and what audiences can expect from this razor sharp play!

Today we are joined by Sarah Groustra!!! Sarah Groustra is the editor-in-chief of 1319 Press, an indie play publisher that platforms emerging playwrights and advocates for newplay development! In this episode, Sarah tells us all about the publishing process at 1319 Press, and how she got into play distribution. We talk about the challenges of play distribution, the benefits of getting work published early, and the idea of play curation as an art form.

David Roussève is a Guggenheim Fellow, magna cum laude Princeton graduate, and Distinguished Professor of Choreography at UCLA, whose work has travelled across the US, Europe, South America, and Great Britain, including major commissions by BAM’s Next Wave Festival and Jacob’s Pillow. He’s received top honors such as the "Bessie" Award, Creative Capital and Herb Alpert Awards, three Horton Awards, and many NEA Fellowships.

In this episode, David Roussève joins us to unveil his first full-length solo piece in over 20 years—Becoming Daddy AF

Becoming Daddy AF  intricately weaves personal and cultural narratives—revisiting 600 years of ancestry, a decades-long journey with HIV, and the profound loss of a partner—while interrogating identity, resilience, and the layers of selfhood as a queer African American artist. Roussève’s perspective on legacy, mortality, and reimagining virtuosity at 64. Listen now to hear this exciting conversation on David's work as he creates dialogue around the nature of love, and the meaning of existence.

Becoming Daddy AF  will be running September 26-27 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh and October 17-18 at The Nimoy, UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance in Los Angeles.

Anastasia West is an actor, playwright, and theater educator. In this episode, Anastasia discusses her experience writing a play that explores themes of generational differences and the impact of social media on young people. She explained her decision to write a play outside the traditional "living room" format, aiming to portray a more authentic and gritty depiction of Gen Z life, including the characters' struggles with being doxxed, being in an apartment, and being from here.

Daniel Holzman is a New York City based playwright! In this episode, I sit down with Daniel and discuss his journey into theater and playwriting. Many things inspire his unique storytelling, including his education, family dynamics, and cultural observations in NYC. While discussing his artistic background, Daniel also shares details about his play "Berlindia!", a psychedelic drama which explores themes of family dynamics, escapism, and surreal, geographical ambiguity! The conversation covers all aspects of the unconscious, and we delight in the fact that sometimes our dreams are almost too good not to be written down. Topics also include: commerce, clubbing, bakeries, Berlin, commercial eroticism, and so much more!

This week, we’re joined by the thoughtful Sam Frye—a New York-based actor who transitioned from an anticipated career in marketing to fully embracing his passion for performance. In this episode, Sam shares his journey of building confidence through theater, navigating the challenges of auditions, and exploring the complexities of portraying characters with dark and intimidating given circumstances. Our conversation also dives into the deeper layers of the craft—how theater reflects and critiques society, the power of artistic expression, and the ways historical context shapes character interpretation.

AJ Daniels is a filmmaker, poet, playwright, and stand-up comedian whose latest project is as brilliant as it is unhinged. And it’s called Hot Pussy Time Machine.
In this episode, we talk about what it means to create something that’s both wildly absurd and deeply grounded. AJ opens up about growing up in New York, finding his artistic footing in Savannah, and why writing should only happen once it starts “buzzing in your rib cage.” It’s smart, it’s chaotic, it’s sincere—and very Evil Thespian. Listen today!

On stage and in the classroom, Joanna brings a fearless sensitivity to her craft. An actress, educator, and singer living in Brooklyn, Joanna is someone who carries story like a memory—personal, porous, and alive.
In this episode of Evil Thespian, we talk about Torito, a new play by Dakota Silvey directed by Dougie Robbins, and Joanna’s role in bringing its textured world to life. We get into what it means to collaborate, how teaching and performing overlap, and why community is everything.

On the heels of his grad program at the Actors Studio Drama School, TJ Boudreau is a playwright stepping boldly into New York City living, sparking stories that refuse to sit still.
In this episode, TJ discusses his play, "If I Cleaned Everything: An Exorcism". It’s about two former high school sweethearts, brought together by a shared tragedy. TJ and I talk about why this piece is so personal to him, and how it’s been in the works for almost two years to make its current home at the Gene Frankel beginning May 21st. Can old flames reunite under garish circumstances? Listen to today to find out, and learn more about what's next for TJ!

Lourdés Zamora is a comedian, actress, singer, and most importantly, a public facing, cabaret hostess extraordinaire.
In this episode, Lourdes discusses her documentary Anatomy of a Showgirl, which chronicles her peak year hosting a weekly cabaret show in the east village. She shares her experience filming the documentary, including but not limited to, being vulnerable, editing footage for the first time, and defending her ideas fiercely. Topics include: breath work, anxiety, being nervous, not driving, seeing ghosts, and so much more!

Dougie Robbins is a director and choreographer who is giving me life right now now! Dougie really brings enthusiasm, sincerity, and impeccable energy to the floor. In this episode, we discuss how drama is expressed through Dougie’s directorial framework, and, in parallel, talk about two 45 minute plays he’s currently working on.

Topics include: good lighting, code switching, furniture arranging, and so much more!

Follow Dougie today! IG: @dougie.robbins

TORITO x IF I CLEANED EVERYTHING will be at the Gene Frankel Theatre May 21st - May24th

Leah is an Irish actor!

She also wears her heart on her sleeve in Dakota Silvey’s The Maker: A Play on Words which opens on January 23rd at the AMT Theatre.
In this episode, Eliza and I talk about self-defined roles as a means of self expression. How do our lived experiences inform our identity? Moreover, how do we communicate our identity to others?
Eliza describes the play as absurd but also existential. There’s a playfulness that invites the audience to wonder, explore, and find joy.

Dakota Silvey is a playwright, pyrotechnician, an EMT, prior USAF, and former firefighter.

She’s also a director, teaching artist, digital editor, consultant, and founder of the Let’s Make a Play playwriting program for kids and adults.
Her first full-length play is called Agency for the Lost and it’s coming out at The Tank this January.
The play deals with the dynamics of parental abandonment, work culture, and chasing elusive rewards, through a Twilight zone lens. In this episode, Serena and I discuss topics like work/creative balance, being subversive, being existential, being a mother, and so much more!

Stephee Bonifacio (pronounced stevie) is an actor who recently found her artistic community within the past two years, which has helped her connect with other artists across different disciplines, describing how seeing others' creative projects motivates her to pursue her own "next big thing." In this episode, Stephee and I discuss learning styles in acting, and ways to observe the self in the effort to drive growth as an actor. Topics also include: being shy at first, experiencing your first big break, acting in new environments, and so much more!

In this episode, Producer Sophia Castuera and Director and Playwright Spencer Whale join us to talk about Making Our Space Theatre Company's inaugural production of Kin by Bathsheba Doran. Esteemed members of a company dedicated to creative communal spaces, they touch on the many things that make this play so contemporary. It's told through a series of scenes that might otherwise be found on the cutting room floor of a romantic comedy, and aims to bring a universal through the vehicle of two extremely unique characters. Sophia and Spencer talk about what their journey has been like bridging these worlds together, and how audiences can expect to be moved by the play's universality.

Grayce Toon is a writer and actor. She's starring in Phil Carroll’s Failsafe, set to premiere at The Tank in New York City on December 8th. A contemporary take on grisly last ditch efforts, Grayce describes this play as pitch black comedy. It's a play that calls for a lot of emotional processing, and considering Grayce's balanced technical approach, she's confident that audiences will experience a wide range of emotional disorder. In this episode, we get to know Grayce, the character she plays, and discuss our love of the living an intellectual life without getting too intellectual. Topics also include: laughing through pain, being a water sign, things happening for no reason, not trying to be mean, and so much more!

Mari Sitner is an actor and playwright, currently living in Inwood. Originally from the Detroit area, she is an exemplar of Midwestern sincerity and earnestness. Her new play, Nebraska, is a kitchen sink comedy that takes a turn for the grotesque, exploring the dark, hidden corners of family dynamics and desperation. In this episode, we dive into the inspiration behind Nebraska, discuss the play’s blend of humor and horror, and explore Mari’s creative process as a playwright. 

Samuel Vita is a theatrical and screen actor born and raised in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. Samuel moved to New York City in 2015 to obtain his B.F.A in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. There, he trained at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute and Stonestreet Studios. After graduating, Samuel continued to develop his craft at the Terry Knickerbocker Studio and Matt Newton Acting Studio. In this episode, Samuel talks about all the things he loves about acting, the things he's challenged by, and the philosophies he's led by.

In this episode, I am joined by actress, producer, and fellow podcaster Michelle Moriarty! Michelle just finished shooting a film with our friend Juan, and presently, is preparing for an unannounced play that you can see in January in Bushwick (So chic). Michelle and I discuss the importance of scene study, and why it's important to stay in tune with natural impulses. If ever there were a single guiding principle every actor must follow, Michelle says it's to say your lines like they're true. Together, we exchange ideas on staying consistently truthful in acting, and revel in our shared taste in music.

Max Stewart is a true testament to the actor's journey, showcasing a career defined by unwavering excellence and unparalleled work ethic. Now, he's making his Steppenwolf debut in Noises Off. In this episode, we delve into the highs and lows of Max's journey, and offer an inspiring look into what it takes to succeed as an actor, staying focused, calm and confident in your craft. Topics also include: overcoming imposter syndrome, put things into existence, living your best life, Chicago in the summer, and so much more!

Cael Sullivan is an artist, filmmaker, and playwright joining us to discuss his play, Boutonniere: A Drama On Queer Themes. Characters Max and Josh must practice their first dance as a married couple. As the clock ticks and wine is poured, their impending union brings up old traumas, secrets, and shame. Their last night of unmarried life is made un-easy when their ideas about their gayness and the tradition of marriage, and the relationship between the two, combat one another’s. All the while, someone won't stop knocking on their door.

Cael talks about how the story reflects his own experience, and the underestimated amount of drama involved in the aging process. Topics also include: institutional blueprints, managing partners, Twink Death, film vs. theatre, and so much more!

Argia Coppola is an Italian actress, scholar, and playwright currently workshopping her play Cursed. Cursed is an adaptation of the Joyce Carol Oates novel Love is Blonde. Argia has been developing this play for years, and was so kind to share space with me to talk about its upcoming workshop. Starring Annie Hägg ,Cursed is a bold, breathless, tragic and timely play for an actress and a four-man jazz band, in which music becomes a character in and of itself. It’s profound, fast-paced, employs unique theatrical conventions, and depicts the life of the Blonde Actress as never seen before.

Today I am here with producer director, arts manager, and applied theatre practitioner MARENA FAYE. In what seems to be a blossoming Sapphic vibe shift in pop culture, we take this special moment to talk about NYC’s premiere sapphic playwriting competition and play festival, SAPPHEST. Celebrating the works of queer women and sapphic-identifying individuals, Sapphest will feature five 10 minute plays each inspired by a classic sapphic pop song. We're talking about it!! Marena shares her vision for Sapphest, and in addition, we cheer on some of our favorite Sapphic pop artists. (Kehani and Tinashe to name a few) This first manifestation Sponsored by the Terry knickerbocker studio, Sappiest will b held august 3rd, from 8 - 9:30 pm at 68th W 34th St. Industry City, Brooklyn.

Real life licensed therapist, storyteller, and improviser Jude Treder-Wolff joins us to talk about her hit solo show FASTER. The limited Off-Broadway engagement plays at Playhouse 46 and is part of the Turn the Lights On! Festival. The play which had its World Premiere at The NYC Fringe Festival in the Spring, runs Saturday, July 6 at 4:30pm and Sunday, July 7 at 3pm. FASTER tackles the world speeding up and the mental ramifications it has on us. Longtime collaborator Suzanne Bachner directs.

Through true stories about trying to understand her partner’s opposite approach to change, she frames a narrative about the impact of constant uncertainty as the pace of change picks up speed and transforms the world faster - and more often - than our brains are built to process. 

Today we are joined by actor Katy Shafer and Sivan Raz of Needs More Work Productions! They're here to talk about their upcoming production titled ANTI-GONE, a reimagined, site-specific, immersive take on an old classic. Think Antigone, but extremely meta. And staged outdoors, of course. Actor Katy plays the role of Antigone, strong willed and laser focused. Katy and Sivan, co-director of Needs More Work Productions, discuss their combined efforts to create a version of Antigone that is centered in character building, while also surfacing some of the core political topics the play calls into question. Listen now!

We're in the presence of an MFA, people! Today on Evil Thespian we are joined by the ICONIC Rabiah Rowther! Rabiah is a director, screenwriter, and occasional producer currently based in New York City. Additionally, she is also a screening committee member for the Hampton's International Film Festival. Rabiah recently graduated from The Actor's Studio Drama School MFA program's directing track. So we're talking about directing in this one! There's a lot to cover - composition, actor-director communication, staging, owning the vision, and so much more. Rabiah offers us some serious expertise you don't want to miss out on. In addition, we also share observations on current trends in playwriting, and how new works seem to be branching out creatively for the better.

Alida Rose Delaney joins us to talk about

ONE WINGED DOVE, skillfully penned and directed by Matthew Gasda, the narrative centers around Sam, a gifted young writer grappling with his inner demons. Alida takes on the role of Lydia, Sam's girlfriend, who delicately maneuvers through her own vulnerabilities, mirroring Sam's struggle with a pattern of self-destruction. Alida gives us a wonderful glimpse into the rich emotional complexity of these characters, while also discussing her unique and profound connection to the play.

Susannah Yugler is a dancer, artist, and playwright. With a shared love of Greek melodrama, joins us to discuss her original upcoming play, CASSANDRA, which she is also directing. Inspired by Euripides' The Trojan Women, CASSANDRA is a satyr play –– musing on New York as a Trojan symbol coping with the weight of impending disaster. Susannah talks about her inspiration for this play, and how placing emphasis on composition can make for some powerful statements.

Topics also include: The use of narrative in the dance world, women's intuition, being 30, taking up space, casts of characters, acting with objects, and so much more!

Elliot Schiff is a Chicago-based playwright and comedian. Currently pursuing their MFA at Northwestern University, Elliot joined me on this lovely day to chat and talk about their most recent reality-show inspired play I'm Not Here To Make Friends. Elliot details their intrepid MFA journey, and the virtue they've discovered in embracing their own messiness along the way. Elliot is absolutely brilliant, incredibly discerning, and a stand out testament to the collaborative spirit of the Chicago theatre community. Topics also include: Feeling beautiful, talking to people, working agile, staying hydrated, and so much more!

We are joined by Nicholas Turturro and Michael Ortiz of SERIALS. Serials is an episodic short-play competition featuring the hottest actors, directors, and playwrights in indie theatre! Nicholas Turturro is an actor, participating artist and marketing director of Serials, and Michael Ortiz is a producer, and host of Serials. Valiantly carrying the Serials torch, we discuss their shared efforts to build out the industry in ways that celebrate and champion creative spontaneity. Topics also include: scarcity of rental spaces, vulnerability, the phrase "up-and-coming", low-budget prop solutions, and so much more!!

Grace Sallee is a multidisciplinary artist with a contagious, vibrant passion for powerful storytelling. Grace stops by Evil Thespian to discuss her character in FLIGHT RISK (now opening in one week!) detailing her experience playing a character she describes as living on borrowed time. Flight Risk calls into question our collective relationship with unexpected tragedy, and we talk about how paranoia and resiliency seem to function as key themes. In parallel, Grace shares some great stories about the work she's put in to get to this point, how we relish in the times our minds and bodies are put to the ultimate test in voice and speech class.

Sophia Englesberg is an actor and a producer, and she is having an incredible year. Winding down Zoomers at The Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research, we catch up on this episode to align on key takeaways from Zoomers discourse, and learn about some exciting projects Sophia has in store for the future. Sophia talks about her background and approach as an actor, having trained in Meisner technique. We discuss diallectcellectuals, culture reporting, being of service, and so much more! Sophia is extremely in touch with her intuition - not only does that make her a great actor, but it's what's allowed her to forge her own path with strength and confidence. Listen to this excellent episode on trusting your gut and standing tall in your convictions because, when you know, you know.

Santiago Mallan is an actor, playwright, and visual artist. Not only is he a classical trained actor, but he's also a very good at drawing! In this episode, Santiago joins us discuss his upcoming play HOMUNCULUS, his writing process, and the environment he pulls his inspiration from. In addition, we also talk about theatre community vibes, the many layers of one's self consciousness, and the function of self perception both online and in person. Santiago contains multitudes. Listen now!

Shae Sennett is a writer, playwright, journalist, poet, and thespian. Introspective as much as she is ambitious, her heel-turn into playwrighting and theater making has us chewing on some important social observations. We discuss her writing background, inspirations, and her process making Last Night Was a Play. In addition, with our big brains combined, we discover the true of the origins of mumblecore.

Justin Kline is an actor and high school theatre teacher!!! Justin and I are lifelong friends and I'm so happy to finally have him on the show. In this episode, Justin shares how he originally got into theatre and what drove him towards teaching high school. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, being active in your community, and needing someone to believe in you. Justin is so inspiring and what he does is truly beyond words. Theatre educators are so essential, and they're shaping the next generation of theatre practitioners. Listen up!

Meg Spectre is an ICONIC, actress and performance artist!!! Dialing in from her colorful Lower East Side apartment, this New York native details her impressive accomplishments in performance art, character acting, and independent artistry. The culture is about to get ten times more charming with her dynamic, comedic prowess, and magnetic charisma. Her artistry packs a powerful punch - and it's about to get even punchier. We talk about our love of clowns, character acting, Sunny Angels, partying, socializing, and most importantly, her role in the Matt Gasda play ZOOMERS.

Playwright Patrick Vermillion joins us for one of the most philosophical episodes to happen on Evil Thespian. Currently hailing from Chicago, Patrick talks about what drives him to write plays and the ease that comes with writing dialogue. We tackle discussions on popular character dynamics, psychology, dream analysis, religion, and so much more! Listen to us process some serious emotions together, and follow Patrick today!

Terra Layne is an actor, director, writer, model, and athlete. A multi-faceted artist, Terra stops by the pod to talk about the career journey that's shaped who they are today. Fresh off the heels of directing GALLERINA by Roman D'Ambrosio, Terra speaks on what it was like stepping into directing and reaching a new plane of artistic expression. Topic also discussed: Finding yourself, being confident, trying out many different jobs, and so much more!